Why One Dietitian Is Leaving the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Dietitians for Professional Integrity supporter Jennfer Krohn, MS, RD sent us the following message:

“I have been very inspired by this group and have decided not to renew my Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics membeship this year. Below is a letter I wrote to the Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group (SCAN) when they inferred on my lack of renewal.

To Whom it May Concern:

I would love to continue to be a member of SCAN. However, my decision not to renew my AND membership was intentional. It has recently come to my attention that AND supporter’s include companies such as McDonald’s, Pepsi Co, as well as the dairy and cattle associations. As a dietitian, whose job is to promote health and well-being, I feel it is wrong to align ourselves with companies that promote exactly the opposite. Not only do these companies promote unhealthy products, but they market it to children. Furthermore, the beef and dairy associations allow horribly inhumane treatment of cattle, that not only destroys them, but has a negative impact on our environment and our health.

Not only are these companies AND’s sponsors, but they fund and contribute to our continuing education opportunities, are present at our conferences and some instances dictate some of the material that is or isn’t taught.

For these reasons, I have decided not to renew my membership this year. It was not an easy decision, as I will miss my membership to SCAN and other DPGs. I hope you understand this decision.

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